Remote, rugged and unforgettable – these outback towns define Australia’s wild heart. 

There’s nowhere quite like Australia’s outback. And these towns are living proof, with vast landscapes, rich histories and a deep sense of place that’s impossible to replicate elsewhere. Out of Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit, these destinations deliver an experience that feels uniquely and unmistakably Australian and made it into our judging panel’s final list.

1. Broome, WA 

Overall rank: 6/100 

Yawuru Country 

Broome has a wildly beautiful landscape of clashing colours: where the deep red of the outback earth meets the shimmering turquoise of the Indian Ocean. The town is a gateway for legendary Kimberley adventures and home to one of the most famous beaches in the country: Cable Beach. Here, panellist Adrian Williams’ great joy is enjoying a Matso’s Ginger Beer while watching the camels walk at sunset – a quintessential Broome experience. 

Don’t miss: Broome’s “rich pearling history and cultural diversity," says panellist Paul Ah Chee. It was considered the pearling capital of the world in the 1880s, luring workers from Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Japan and Europe. Time your visit with Shinju Matsuri – or the Festival of the Pearl – a week-long cultural celebration held annually in August/September.

2. Yulara, NT 

Overall rank: 15/100 

Anangu Country 

Formed in the late 1970s as a base for visitors to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Yulara is home to our most famous ancient monolith that rises 348 metres out of the Central Australian Desert. This landscape is one of intense beauty and sacred importance; for the Anangu people, Uluru is entwined in traditional Tjukurpa law. For the rest of us, it is a place that has the power to be transformative. Panellist Brett Godfrey says, “This is truly Australia’s spiritual heart… Every Australian needs to visit at least once. You leave ‘different’." 

Don’t miss:  At least one of the immersive light and sound shows: Bruce Munro’s Field of Light, which celebrates 10 years in 2026; Wintjiri Wiru, a drone show that tells an ancient Creation story; or Sunrise Journeys, a laser and light experience co-created by three Aṉangu female artists. 

3. Longreach, Qld 

Overall rank: 22/100 

Iningai Country 

The remote central Queensland town of Longreach has a few claims to fame. Most notably as the birthplace of Australian civil aviation. The Flying Kangaroo began operations here in 1922, which is celebrated at the Qantas Founders Museum. The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame pays tribute to the outback’s trailblazers. And the town is the only place you can gallop along in a Cobb & Co stagecoach. It’s “true big-sky country with a mass of big-deal attractions," says panellist Catriona Rowntree. 

Don’t miss: A camp-oven meal under the stars and the coolabah trees that line the Thomson River. Smithy’s Outback Dinner Show includes a two-course dinner, damper, tea, live music and stories. 

4. Broken Hill, NSW 

Overall rank: 23/100 

Wilyakali Country 

The discovery of ore on a lonely broken hill would change the landscape of this outback NSW region forever. Broken Hill is Australia’s oldest mining town and one of the most significant and best preserved examples of living heritage. It’s also the birthplace of Pro Hart, the setting for iconic Aussie movies, including The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Mad Max 2 (visit the museum in nearby Silverton) and the largest Royal Flying Doctors base in the country. Panellist Irene Jones sums it up: “Outback grit with some cool character."  

Don’t miss: Looking back before the mining boom with local Aboriginal guides who share their connection to Country at Mutawintji Historic Site. This rugged desert landscape is home to one of the best collections of Aboriginal rock art in NSW. 

5. Lightning Ridge, NSW 

Overall rank: 38/100 

Yuwaalaraay Country 

The weathered Cretaceous sedimentary rocks of The Great Artesian Basin have created two subterranean treasures here in Lightning Ridge. The first caused pandemonium in the 1880s – the rare and precious black opal, while the other induces calm – mineral-rich hot springs that are naturally heated to 41.5°C year-round. “It’s the quirkiest place I’ve ever been," says panellist Katie Carlin. “The town is filled with art, underground galleries, mine tunnels and a cactus nursery."  

Don’t miss: Panellist Rae Johnston’s experience, who had an unexpected stop here while on a road trip and says it’s one of the darkest skies she has ever seen. Get two-for-one with a nighttime soak in the hot Artesian Bore Baths under the stars. Or make a road trip out of it by following the Great Artesian Drive, which includes a series of unique spa stops; the nearby Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre has just reopened after extensive upgrades. 

6. Exmouth, WA 

Overall rank: 75/100 

Baiyungu, Thalanyji & Yinigurdira Country 

Exmouth is “about as isolated from the rest of the world as you can get, which is part of its beauty," says panellist Adrian Williams. This coastal town is known as the home to World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, an “underwater wonderland that delivers swims with whale sharks and humpbacks plus sightings of manta rays and nesting turtles," according to panellist Katie Carlin. Exmouth was hit by Tropical Cyclone Narelle in late March but is open for business. Continuing to plan trips and support local operators will play a vital role in the region’s ongoing recovery.  

Don’t miss: The rugged limestone ranges and arid coastal plain of Cape Range National Park. It’s home to roos, emus and echidnas, plus the luxury glamping experience Sal Salis, walking trails and beaches where you can swim among coral. 

7. Kununurra, WA 

Overall rank: 62/100 

Miriuwung & Gajerrong Country 

Meaning ‘Big Water’ in Miriuwung language, Kununurra is surrounded by a rugged landscape and wildlife-rich waterways including the croc-inhabited Ord River and spectacular Lake Argyle. “I still dream about the colours of Kununurra at sunset," says panellist Imogen Eveson, “and can’t wait to go back to experience how the town has continued to evolve since my last visit." While it has long been a gateway to the East Kimberley, Kununurra is emerging as a base for First Nations-led experiences, from cultural walks with Kingfisher Tours to Blak Tapas cafe and the ever-evolving Waringarri Aboriginal Arts centre in town. 

Don’t miss: “Hidden Valley [Mirima National Park] on the edge of town. I would rate it 11 – it feels so ancient," says panellist Adrian Williams. 

8. Kalgoorlie-Boulder, WA 

Overall rank: 81/100 

Marlinyu Ghoorlie Country  

Tick Australia’s oldest brothel in Australia’s largest outback town off your to-do list. Kalgoorlie-Boulder is filled with colonial-era buildings, characterful pubs and, ahem, historic brothels – remnants of the gold rush. It all started in 1893 when three Irish prospectors were travelling through by horse and found 3kg of alluvial nuggets by chance. By 1901, the Golden Mile was established – known as the richest square mile on Earth – and Kalgoorlie flourished. 

Don’t miss: Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s “big mining energy with history," suggests panellist Irene Jones. The town remains an important mining hub and is home to the Super Pit, an open-pit gold mine so big it can be seen from space. Double down on the history lesson with a visit to the Museum of the Goldfields. 

9. Coober Pedy, SA 

Overall rank: 87/100  

Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara Country  

This tiny outpost between Adelaide and Alice Springs/Mpartnwe was thrown into the spotlight when opal was discovered here a century ago and has since become one of our quirkiest outback towns. The name Coober Pedy comes from an Aboriginal term for ‘white man in a hole’. The moniker was for the miners who built the town into and under the lunar-like landscape, to escape the scorching sun and cold desert nights. “There’s nothing like it in the world. It drips of authenticity," says panellist Adrian Williams. 

Don’t miss: Aboriginal-owned Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, a striking desert reserve that looks like it has been painted on the horizon, around 25 kilometres north of town. It’s home to 60 native flora species and fauna such as the red kangaroo and echidna. 

10. Quorn, SA 

Overall rank: 94/100 

Nukunu Country 

In the heart of the Flinders Ranges, Quorn oozes “old railway charm," says panellist Irene Jones. It was once a crossroads on the Central Australian Railway to Oodnadatta and the Trans-Australian Railway between Port Augusta and Kalgoorlie. Today, the heritage Pichi Pichi Railway continues to operate scenic journeys through outback vistas of gum-lined creeks and ancient rocky outcrops. And in news, legendary train The Ghan will stop here on its journeys to Darwin in 2027. 

Don’t miss: Flinders Gin, a family-owned distillery crafting native botanical-flavoured gin within restored stables in Quorn. 

See our full list of 100 best Aussie towns here.